But the town is in a “sweet spot” in more ways than one, with a waterfront location along the Carquinez Strait. It is also surrounded by open space courtesy of the 1,939-acre Crockett Hills Regional Park.

Located less than 40 miles from San Francisco and less than 30 miles from Oakland, homes in Crockett, are “still quite affordable in comparison to neighboring areas,” according to realtor and 37-year Crockett resident Jan Orsi.

Orsi says there are a mix of people drawn to Crockett, from “artsy types” to professionals, retirees to young families. The homes range as well—everything from Victorian bungalows and Craftsmans to bigger, more modern residences. A median-priced home in Crockett is a relatively reasonable $534,500, according to Zillow, which predicts prices will rise 5 percent in the town within the next year.

Orsi is currently representing a two-bedroom, one-bath from 1898 with water views, terraced gardens, and numerous Victorian details. (Check out the home in the slide show above.) It is located just a few blocks from the strait and the adorable downtown, which has several restaurants, art studios, office space, and parks with a playground, pool and tennis court.

Orsi says the current sellers, who bought the home over a decade ago, are design professionals who were “charmed by the community and a Victorian property with potential.”

They are selling because they are retiring and developing another property closer to their children, she adds.

Orsi listed the home at $415,000, or a mere $238 per square foot. Unfortunately, though the home prices are lower, Crockett is seeing the same low inventory as other Bay Area locales. There are currently only a handful of homes on the market in this community of about 3,400 residents and Orsi is anticipating multiple offers and a quick sale.

Emily Landes is a writer and editor who is obsessed with all things real estate.